Maserati 3500 'Sebring' (1962)

The Maserati Sebring was unveiled at the Geneva Salon in 1962. Based largely upon the well-established 3500 GT which had been launched in 1957 and had rescued the fortunes of a company in economic crisis. The 3500 GT adopted the 3.5 litre Lucas Fuel Injected, straight six engine seen in the 350S racing car mated to a either a terrific 5 speed Manual gearbox or a ghastly Borg Warner Automatic transmission. Vignale took charge to design the stunning 2+2 Grand Tourer, however according to some accounts it was Michelotti who completed the design work as a commission for Vignale. Either way the 3500 GT marked itself in the upper echelon of the Grand Touring car market. The tubular constructed chassis was fitted with coil spring independent front suspension as well as a live rear axle and Girling disc brakes front and rear. The above contributed to exceptional handling characteristics and when combined with the racing derived engine, resulted in a sophisticated yet nimble 2+2 Grand Tourer. In 1965 Maserati introduced the heavier and Series II Sebring with its modernised bumpers, grills and lights and despite being now regarded as vastly inferior to the earlier cars almost double the number of Series 2 cars were built. In either Series 1 or Series 2 form RHD variants were rare and today a RHD Series 1 variant is regarded as the best of all.

This RHD UK supplied 'Series I' Sebring, of which there are thought to be less than 10 made (and of which less than 5 are known today to Maserati UK) was completed on the 24th of October, 1962 and was supplied to John Coombs Guildford based "Coombs & Sons Ltd" dealership in November 1962 to be retained as a demonstrator with the distinctive registration number of "50 PK". Presented in the stunning shade of Rosso Cordoba (which is rather accurately described on the car's Buff logbook as "Opalescent Maroon") with a 5 Speed Manual Gearbox it was later sold in 1963 to its first private owner located in Sussex.

Sometime later it was sold and exported to island of Jersey where it remained until 1990 when Mr Colin Alfred Hayes purchased the car and re-imported it back into the United Kingdom. Mr Hayes subjected the car to a comprehensive restoration carried out by the well renowned marque specialists Corley Motors. During the restoration all mechanical components were reconditioned, the interior re-trimmed, as well as the chassis stripped and repainted. Colin later had the car repainted by Corley Motors to ensure the car was aesthetically matching the fine mechanical condition, during which time it was changed to a brighter shade of Red. During the remainder of Colin's ownership it was maintained with no expense spared to ensure the car remained in outstanding condition.

It was later purchased in circa 2003 by Don Law owner of Don Law Vintage Motorcycles, joining a collection of historic motor cars and motorcycles. Don upheld the high level of maintenance during his ownership before selling the car in August 2010 to another vintage car collector Mr Jan Korab.

In mid-2016 "50 PK" was subject to a cosmetic restoration at which time the body was taken back to bare metal before being repainted in the original shade of Rosso Cordoba and the Tan Hide interior returned to a fine condition. As well as the aesthetic work, it also received a major mechanical re-commission in which the engine including Lucas Fuel Injection unit was totally rebuilt as well as a host of additional work. Today "50 PK" is presented with under a believed genuine 46,100 Miles from new and comes accompanied by a comprehensive history file including copies of the Swansea registration document for its original registration number which it still retains, copies of the "Buff" log book and a host of restoration invoices including its most recent work. The car is available to view immediately at our showrooms just outside London. A recently overhauled, matching numbers example of a rare Right Hand Drive S1 Sebring – arguably Maserati's finest 60's GT car - accompanied by a strong history file.